Category Archives: Blog

In 1985, Italy established a law allowing farmers to offer hospitality services, aimed at preserving rural heritage and providing struggling farms with alternative income sources. This legislation sparked the rise of ‘agriturismo’, especially in Tuscany, where historic estates began welcoming visitors, transforming centuries-old agricultural properties into experiential destinations. Mania Castelli, who operates La Torre alle… Read More »

Mateus Nicolau de Almeida comes from a celebrated winemaking lineage, being the son of João Nicolau d’Almeida of Ramos Pinto and the grandson of Fernando Nicolau d’Almeida, the founder of Barca Velha in 1952. His upbringing in a vineyard-rich environment propelled him into a global exploration of wines, including significant experiences with Denis Dubourdieu in… Read More »

In Search of the Soul of St-Emilion Colin Gent MW takes us on a journey through St-Emilion, often hailed as "The Burgundy of Bordeaux," characterized by its diverse terroirs and vibrant wine culture. Despite the prevailing narrative that Bordeaux is facing a crisis with waning interest in its wines, St-Emilion continues to draw over a… Read More »

Sablière has recently launched a groundbreaking 0% alcohol sparkling drink designed to emulate the qualities of traditional Champagne and sparkling wines. Co-owner Lucy Isles, along with her partner Kim Wilson, developed this concept through extensive research, aiming for complex flavors and textures typically found in wine. Unlike a sparkling tea or kombucha, Sablière has been… Read More »

Olivier Coste has introduced a refreshing red wine from the Pays d’Oc region, the Olivier Coste Bisou Rouge 2025. This distinctive wine is purposefully made to be enjoyed chilled, with a unique label that indicates the ideal temperature for consumption—lips on the front label change from red to blue when it’s just right. With an… Read More »

There has been an ongoing discussion about the term "fine wine" and its connotations of exclusivity—almost as if the wines themselves were designed to highlight the lack of culture in those who cannot appreciate their complexities. This reflects a larger issue in the wine industry, where the challenge lies in making wine appealing again amidst… Read More »

I don’t usually purchase Bordeaux wines, but when I do come across one that captures my attention, it can be quite rewarding. Recently, I stumbled upon the Château Marquis de Terme Margaux 2022 at a Leclerc store in Lourdes, France, and I felt it was worth the €48 price tag. It turned out to be… Read More »

Anthony Rose recently joined Scott Becker at a tasting event in London to explore the latest releases from Realm Cellars, a winery that embraces the legacy of Napa Valley wines. The phrase from Shakespeare’s Richard II, “This blessed plot, this earth, this realm,” is inscribed on each cork from Realm Cellars, setting the tone for… Read More »

For Haysley MacDonald, the founder and owner of te Pā Wines in Marlborough, New Zealand, unwinding post-harvest doesn’t involve a glass of wine in the vineyard. Instead, he opts for the ocean, donning flippers to free dive and collect kina, or sea urchins, which he has loved since childhood. MacDonald has been freediving for nearly… Read More »

This wine is a captivating blend of the 2021 and 2022 vintages from the unique volcanic terroir of Balaton, Hungary. The Gilvesy Váradi Furmint NV Szent György-Hegy boasts an alcohol content of 11.5%. On the palate, it showcases a beautiful linear profile marked by distinct stony minerality, complemented by crystalline lemon fruit that brings a… Read More »